Cause and Effect Essays

Cause and Effect It’s simple, just four paragraphs: Introduction Causes Effects Conclusion

First Paragraph Introduction: One or two introductory sentences Thesis statement

Second Paragraph Causes: Topic sentence introducing causes First cause – Supporting info: one or more sentences Second cause – Supporting info: one or more sentences

Third Paragraph Effects: Topic sentence introducing effects First effect – Supporting info: one or more sentences Second effect – Supporting info: one or more sentences

Fourth Paragraph Conclusion (at least two of the following): Restatement of causes Restatement of effects Proposed solutions Look to future

Let’s Put Together an Essay! I’ll give you the pieces, you arrange them into an essay

Sample Essay: Paragraph 1 Introduction In the past people used to eat healthy, freshly prepared food with their families in the home. Today however, many people prefer to eat fast food such as hamburgers, fried chicken, or pizza. There are many reasons why this change has occurred, but fast-food also has some serious effects on individuals and society. Past Present

Sample Essay: Paragraph 2 Causes There are many reasons for the popularity of fast food. One of the main reasons is the change in lifestyle. Many people are working long hours or extended school days. They don’t have time to prepare good food. Women are now starting to work, and this can result in less time being available for preparing meals. Another cause is the huge number of young, affluent people. The rapid development of the country has meant that young people, have more money to spend. Topic Sentence Supporting Info

Sample Essay: Paragraph 3 Effects However, this change in diet can have some serious effects. One effect is on health. Many individuals are becoming fat. These people will be less productive and have conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Another result of fast food is the loss of the family tradition of eating together. Children and adults rarely eat together now, and thus get less opportunity to talk. Topic Sentence Supporting Info

Sample Essay: Paragraph 4 Conclusion In conclusion, fast food, although it is convenient, can have serious health and social effects. People should learn to choose fast food carefully and remember the pleasure of eating good food in good company.

To explain reasons and results, we can use: As a result, As a consequence, Consequently, One reason why... One of the most important reasons why... The main reasons why... There are other reasons, too, Some Language … from So, Since As, Because

Topics 1.Air pollution in China 2.The global economic crisis 3.Over population 4.Noise pollution 5.Computer revolution 6.Overuse of the internet 7.Growth of cities in China 8.Unaffordable housing in China

Do’s and Don’ts Do: Use the new template Essay Template.doc on the essay-writing page of the TUSTCLASS2010 Essay Writing page Write in third person: use it, they, their, them Look at the sample essays Look at the IELTS Writing Problems-Key.pdf on the TUSTCLASS2010 Better Writing page

Do’s and Don’ts Don’t: Use first person: I, we Use second person: you Use “nowadays” or “In a word” and then write more than 1-3 words

… and more Do’s Do check very carefully for Deadly Sins Do check grammar – I will be marking it more carefully this time

Due Dates Classes 42 and 43: Wednesday, April 6 Class 41: Thursday, April 7 Class 44: Friday, April 8

Cause and Effect Rubric Deadly Sins (-10 pts. each) Spelling, capitalization, etc., errors___ TUST standards errors___ Late: -10 for each day___ Content (10 pts. each) Intro: Intro. topic, Thesis Statement___ Cause 1 & supporting info___ Cause 2 & supporting info___ Effect 1 & supporting info___ Effect 2 & supporting info___ Conclusion: ___ Organization (10 pts. each) Ideas follow logically___ Statements are relevant to the topic___ Mechanics (20 pts.) Grammar, usage, punctuation:___